Aqua Hotel Montagut Suites

Among the somewhat tired and stingy all-inclusive holiday resorts in Santa Susanna, Aqua Hotel Montagut is one of the most liked for a number of reasons. It's a modern building, with a stylish front entrance and a spacious lobby. And even if decor is a bit dated and sparse throughout some of its interiors, the bar and restaurant downstairs are welcoming spaces, with plenty of seating and regular evening entertainment. Previous guests have raved about the outdoor pool area, which, despite being surrounded by hotel buildings, is a great place to kick back, edged with pretty greenery and lawns. There are rarely fights for sun loungers (almost unheard of in this part of Spain), and the hotel's all-inclusive rates are generous, keeping indulgence-seeking travelers happy. The hotel is especially favored by young families due to the kids' club and number of family-friendly activities throughout the day.

Aqua Hotel Montagut is right in the center or tourist-friendly Santa Susanna. It's a five-minute walk to the sandy beachfront, and about the same to the shopping mall Galeries Pins. Santa Susanna is quiet town, without the hectic nightlife of its Costa Brava neighbors, but there are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and tourist shops all around. It's a 10-minute drive to the town of Malgrat, which is livelier, or about 30 minutes to Lloret de Mar. Santa Susanna's train station is a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Trains run up and down the coast, and there are direct connections to Barcelona Sants -- taking about 70 minutes. Trains to Barcelona Airport take about 90 minutes and buses about the same. They leave from Hotel Alhambra, which is two minutes down the road. Otherwise, it's around a one-hour drive to the airport.

Suites at the Aqua Hotel Montagut are bright and pleasant. The tile floors, neutral color schemes, and IKEA-influenced look is nicer than some of the more dated options in town. Artwork adds a pop of color and sleek dark wood furniture provides a good amount of storage. All units feature sofabeds and sleep up to four, while upgraded rooms (like some of the Junior Suites that we photographed) include separate bedrooms. Standard features include air-conditioning, mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi, plus furnished terraces. Keep in mind that safes will incur an extra charge. Premium Suites add pool views, but there are no sea views from any rooms. Bathrooms are large, with dramatic red tiling, shower/tub combos, toiletries, magnifying mirrors, and hairdryers. 

Features here are on par with most in the area, though the lack of a spa or fitness center might be a con for some. Still, what the hotel does have is generally well-liked by previous guests, including the outdoor pool area. Unlike some of its competitors, fights for sun loungers here are few and far between, because there's so much space around the pools. You'll find a main pool and a separate toddler pool set in the hotel's pretty gardens. A small playground sits adjacent. The snack bar has table seating both inside and out, and offers poolside drink service -- including cocktails, light bites, and ice cream. The well-received buffet restaurant serves meals throughout the day, and there are a range of meal plans available, including all-inclusive options. Most guests are happiest with these all-inclusive plans, as the selection of food on offer is generous and drinks include most branded liquors (not just the domestic stuff found at other nearby resorts). There's an outdoor pool table and ping-pong, plus a game room with arcade machines and kids' clubs for both younger and older children. The hotel has a full entertainment program, with daytime competitions and activities, and evening shows in the bar and outside on the terrace. There are two guest PCs with printing in the bar area. Wi-Fi is free throughout. Plenty of free parking is available on the streets around the hotel.